Study Tour for Tanzanian Educators

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RECSAM Doing its Part for the Community: Science andMathematics Camp for School Students

THIS TIME, RECSAM partnered with Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang (PEMENANG) with the support of His Excellency T.Y.T. Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abbas, Head of State of Penang to organise a “Science and Mathematics Camp” for a group of 100 secondary school students in Penang on 4 and 5 June 2014. This programme, which was initiated by RECSAM enticed Form 5 students from fi ve (5) selected secondary schools in Penang namely: (i) SMK Penang Free, (ii) SMK (P) St George, (iii) SMK Abdullah Munshi, (iv) SMK (L) Al-Mashoor and (v) SMK (P) Al-Mashoor to further prepare themselves for their upcoming SPM national examination in November 2014. The 2-day camp punctuated with various exploration activities and mini-quizzes, which include such as “Star Gazing” to capture the students’ interest for Science and Mathematics subjects. The event was offi cially graced by His Excellency T.Y.T Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abbas on 5 June 2014 at RECSAM. The event also witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between RECSAM and PEMENANG to foster collaboration in the development of

A Global Experience ProgrammeSIX TEACHER TRAINEES from University of Western Sydney, Australia (UWS) came to Penang for the educational and cultural UWS Global Experience Programme organised by RECSAM and lasted from 27 June to 11 July 2014. The goal of the programme was to provide opportunities for the Australian pre-service teachers to gain a greater understanding of the Malaysian culture and education system and to enhance the formation of closer relationships between Australian and Malaysian educators. The teacher trainees were placed in a secondary school and a primary school in Penang to let them gain the cross cultural educational experience of being a teacher or teacher

school students’ science and mathematics performance in public examination in the selected schools in Penang. This was then followed by the presentation of certifi cates ceremony to the school students by His Excellency T.Y.T Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abbas.As a follow-up to this programme, RECSAM’s Specialists also collaborated with master teachers in Penang to conduct tuition classes particularly for complicated subjects such as Additional Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry starting from July 2014 to October 2014 for students from the selected schools. The programme was aimed to improve the quality of student performance for Science and Mathematics subjects in public examinations, to foster students to practice higher order thinking skills and to encourage self-motivation and self-confi dence in order to mentally prepare them for the examination.The conduct of this programme was actually part of RECSAM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) effort to assist students and prepare them for the important SPM public examination.

RECSAM recently hosted a group of seven (7) Tanzanian educators and offi cials from the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training from 26 to 30 May 2014. The visit was funded by

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and was facilitated by the Specialists from the Training Programme Division. The fi ve-day programme of activities included study visits to the Teachers’ Education Institute (Penang Campus), SMK Air Itam and Centre for Instructional Technology and Multimedia at Universiti Sains Malaysia and followed by briefi ng sessions on the core management best practices such as selection criteria of course participants, administration function in RECSAM, financial and account management, programme design and evaluation and development and recruitment of trainers/facilitators to name a few.

assistant in a local school classroom. The schools were SK Bayan Lepas and SMK Padang Polo. The programme proved to be successful where both the trainee teachers and school communities shared and learned a lot from both parties. The University of Western Sydney (UWS) Pre-service Overseas Education and Cultural Tour Programme is an annual affair conducted in Penang since 2005. It is a collaborative programme between three parties namely; SEAMEO RECSAM, Penang State Education Offi ce and University of Western Sydney, Australia. The Certifi cate Presentation Ceremony was held at RECSAM on 10 July 2014.

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Centre Directors’ Meeting (CDM) 2014THE ANNUAL MEETING of SEAMEO Regional Centre Directors this year was held at S31 Sukhumvit Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand from 24 to 26 June 2014. A total of 80 participants attended the Meeting, comprising the Centre Directors, Deputy Directors, key offi cials of SEAMEO Centres/Network, representatives from SEAMEO Associate and Affi liate Members as well as the invited presenters and observers. The three-day meeting also tackled proposals for new projects and collaborative activities. Representing RECSAM were Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin Zakaria, Centre Director and Mr. Shamsul Azha B. Md. Yusuf, Deputy Director (Administration). The Centre presented a report and

10th Five-Year Plan Development Workshop

THE FIRST 10th Five-Year Development Plan Workshop was organised by RECSAM from 9 to 11 June 2014. Dr. Witaya Jeradechakul, Director of the SEAMEO Secretariat offi cially preceded the workshop on the formulation of the fi rst 10th Five-Year Development Plan for SEAMEO RECSAM. Others present during the workshop were: offi cials and governing board members/representatives from the SEAMEO Secretariat and Ministries of Education from SEAMEO countries, as well as consultants from

Promoting Environmental Education throughSocio-Scientifi c Issue (SSI) Projects Competition

SOCIO-SCIENTIFIC ISSUES (SSI) are controversial social issues related to science education and are often used to promote scientifi c literacy for inculcating scientifi c and moral reasoning and skills in planning problem-solving strategies to the real world situations. As such, the SSI projects competition with the theme “The ways to overcome a current socio-scientifi c issue to prevent environmental degradation” was organised in collaboration with Penang State Government and Penang State Education Department for school students in Penang. This annual programme was aimed to instill awareness that the gradual degradation of the environment is threatening the survival of the Mother Earth, and that school students just like any citizen of this planet have the responsibility to control human activities that should reduce the negative impact on the environment. This project competition was opened to all secondary school students in Penang and a total of nine (9) projects were received. The three-month long competition (which started from June to August 2014), gave

two working papers during the meeting, (i) Centre’s Accomplishment for F.Y. 2013/2014, (ii) Achieving Sustainable ASEAN Society through Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Mainstreaming into the National Education System: A Support to ASEAN 2015 and (iii) SEAMEO Basic Education Standards and Student Networking. A special session convened o n 2 4 J u n e 2 0 1 4 a s p a r t o f t h e m e e t i n g t o d i s c u s s t w o i m p o r t a n t a g e n d a i t e m s : (i) SEAMEO’s 50th Anniversary and (ii) Issues Related to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin Zakaria, Centre Director represented the Centre.

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaya (UM) and University of Tsukuba and RECSAM’s academic staff. The workshop was held for three days at RECSAM. Each Division (Training Programme, Research & Development and Administrative Division) was given the opportunity to propose the draft of programmes and activities of the 10th Five-Year Development Plan based on fi ve strategic goals for the upcoming fi ve fi scal years to the invited Governing Board Members and local and foreign experts. The recommendations and inputs gained from the three-day workshop will then serve as a basis for RECSAM to devise way and means in order to remain relevant by increasing the impact of its programmes and activities while maintaining its regional visibility in the Southeast Asia region and beyond.

participating students the opportunity to carry out inquiry research projects showcasing the practices according to the theme of the project competition, and to record the investigations and fi ndings in a video. SMJK Perempuan China Pulau Pinang was the overall champion of the 2014 SSI Project Competition. They wowed the judges with their project title: Eggshell Enzyme (E2) Drain Cleaner. The runner-ups were SMK Desa Murni (Hair is a Great Solution to Oil Spill Problems) and SMK St George, Balik Pulau (Alam Sekitar Diabai, Juadah Aneka Bagai, Kesihatan Jadi Taruhan). The award presentation ceremony was held at RECSAM on 30 August 2014. All deserving winners were given recognition and received their prizes from Dr. Daniel Leong, Deputy Director (Training Programme Division). This event was initiated by RECSAM, sponsored by the Penang State Government and Penang State Education Department and was facilitated by Mr. Lee Shok Mee, Specialist from Training Programme Division.

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Completion of Regular Courses F.Y.2013/2014

RECSAM successfully conducted its four regular courses for F.Y. 2013/2014 with a total number of seventy three (73) educators across all SEAMEO Member Countries. The duration of these courses was for a period of four (4) weeks from 5 to 30 May 2014.

Certifi cate Presentation Ceremony THE 138TH Certifi cate Presentation Ceremony of Regular Courses F.Y. 2013/2014 was held on 30 May 2014 at RECSAM. The ceremony was graced by Mr.Nafi ah bin Mat, representing the Director of Penang State Education Department, Ministry of Education Malaysia who also presented the certifi cates and transcripts to the participants. He thanked RECSAM for conducting the courses and added that these courses were an eye-opener where science and mathematics educators gained immense knowledge and skills.

RC-SS-138-1:

Linking Secondary Science Learning to Everyday Life and Societal Needs

A total of twenty (20) participants from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam successfully completed this course. This course was superv ised by Dr. Nur Jahan Bint i Ahmad.

RC-PM-138-3:

Developing Mathematical Thinking through Games-based Learning in Primary

ClassroomsTwelve (12) participants from the following SEAMEO Member Countries attended this course, namely: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste. This course was supervised by Dr. Annamalai Chokalingam.

RC-SS-138-4:

Lesson Study: Improving Instructional Practices in Secondary Science

ClassroomsThis training course received a total of twenty (20) participants from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. This t ra in ing course was supervised by Dr. Corrienna Abdul Talib.

RC-PM-138-2:

Making Real Life Connections and Developing Mathematical Ideas in Primary Classrooms

Twenty one (21) participants from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste successfully completed this training course under the supervision of Dr. Thien Lei Mee.

Smiles for the Smiles for the cameracamera

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Professional Development Programme for Science TeacherEducators of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam

Promoting Inquiry-Based Science and Mathematics Learningthrough Lesson Study

A SEMINAR-WORKSHOP on “Promoting Inquiry-Based Science and Mathematics Learning through Lesson Study” for school teachers was held at RECSAM on 28 June 2014. The one-day seminar-workshop was aimed to expose participants to the basic principles and processes of implementing Lesson Study employing good practices in inquiry based teaching and learning. Through this seminar-workshop, participants discussed and planned strategies to overcome possible challenges involved in implementing Lesson Study in their respective schools. A total of eighteen (18) participants attended the seminar-workshop.

Workshop on Southeast Asia Regional Standards-Mathematics (SEARS-MT)

A MALAYSIAN Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) course entitled “Professional Development Programme for Science Teacher Educators of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam” was successfully conducted by RECSAM from 11 to 29 August 2014. This training programme was aimed to strengthen the capacity of science teacher educators of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam by enhancing their skills in promoting active teaching and learning in science grounded on the philosophy of constructivism. A total of twelve (12) science educators from the selected countries benefi ted from this programme. This in-service training programme was conducted by RECSAM and funded by MTCP.

Second Workshop on Southeast Asia Regional Standards forScience Teachers (SEARS-ST)

THE “2nd Workshop of Southeast Asia Regional Standards for Science Teachers (SEARS-ST) for the Development of Framework of Practice for Science Teachers” was held at RECSAM from 16 to 18 June 2014. This workshop is a follow-up of the previous 1st consultation workshop held in January 2014 at RECSAM. The conduct of this workshop once again provided a platform to discuss the key aspects of science teaching and the challenges of educating science teachers who will be able to engage the next generation of students and to document a set of standards which

A WORKSHOP on “Developing Malaysian Mathematics Teacher Quality Standards based on Southeast Asia Regional Standards-Mathematics (SEARS-MT)” was held at RECSAM on 12 and 13 June 2014. The two-day workshop was held with the purpose to develop and discuss the Malaysian mathematics teacher quality standards that would facilitate students’ mathematics learning outcomes and in return to inform pedagogical and local educational policy. Dr. Suhaidah Tahir, Deputy Director (Research & Development Division) briefed the participants on the plans of

Malaysian Mathematics Teacher Quality Standards (MMTQS). The fi nal bilingual of the Malaysian Mathematics Teacher Quality Standards (MMTQS) was the result of the two-day workshop formulated and presented by the participants. A total of twenty four (24) participants participated in this two-day workshop.

describes the skills and attributes that a science teacher in the SEAMEO region should attain in the 21st century. Two (2) foreign experts, Dr. Mark Windale from the Centre for Science Education, Sheffi eld Hallam University and Associate Professor Dr. Lindsey Conner from the College of Education, University of Canterbury were invited to give comments and inputs on the SEARS-ST draft document. A total of twenty one (21) participants including experts/participants coming from SEAMEO member countries (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam) and RECSAM’s Specialists participated in this workshop. The workshop was successfully conducted with input and comprehensive views obtained from consultants and country experts. A fi nal version of SEARS-ST is targeted to be produced and endorsed at the High Offi cials Meeting in November 2014 as an offi cial documentation that addresses Science Teachers Standards that is encouraged to be adopted in the 11 SEAMEO countries.

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Colloquium

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Professor Rozhan M. Idrus from Universiti Sains Malaysia conducted a colloquium on the “Development of E-learning Resource Materials for SEAMEO Borderless School using ‘Learning Activities Management Systems’ (LAMS)” on 23 June 2014 at RECSAM. The one-day colloquium introduced participants to the essential features of various interactive open source ICT tools such as the “Learning Activities Management Systems” (LAMS) for designing, managing and delivering online resources for collaborative learning activities. A total of fi fty three (53) participants attended the colloquium.

Consultancy Services

Dr. Ng Khar Thoe and Dr. Hazura bt. Ab. Bakar, Specialists from Research & Development Division was invited as panel of judges in the “Karnival Pendidikan Sains dan Teknologi Peringkat Negeri 2014 - Pertandingan Inovasi Sains dan Teknologi Kejuruteraan Piala Pengarah Pendidikan Pulau Pinang 2014” organised by Jabatan Pendidikan Pulau Pinang (JPN) at Politeknik Seberang Perai, Penang on 29 May 2014.

Dr. Corrienna Abdul Talib, Specialist from Research & Development D i v i s i on a t t ended “P rog ram P e r k h e m a h a n B i t a r a S T E M UKM-FELDA – Science of Smart Communities” at Dewan MRSM, Trolak, Perak from 2 to 6 June 2014.

Dr. Suhaidah bt. Tahir, Deputy Director from Research & Development Division was involved as a speaker in a talk organised by Bahagian Perancangan dan Penyelidikan Dasar Pelajaran (BPPDP), Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia on “Pendidikan Sains, Teknologi, Kejuruteraan dan Matematik (STEM)” on 20 June 2014.

Dr. Ng Khar Thoe, Specialist from Research & Development Division was invited as a judge for “Pertandingan Literasi Sains dan Teknologi”, organised by the Association for Science & Mathematics Education of Penang (ASMEP) at RECSAM, Penang on 28 June 2014.

Dr. Suhaidah bt. Tahir, Deputy Director and Mr. Dominador D. Mangao, Specialist from Research & Development Division were invited as guest speakers in a “Lesson Study” course organised by Kolej Matrikulasi Perak at Gopeng, Perak from 21 to 23 July 2014.

Mr. Hideo Nakano, Dr. S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam and Dr. Koay Suan See, Specialists from Training programme Division were invited to facilitate a Science Toy Workshop in conjunction with the International Symposium on “A Decade of Regional Centres of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD): Refl ections and Advances in Asia-Pacifi c” organised by the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) at SK Minden Height on 27 August 2014.

Dr. S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam, Specialist from Training Programme Division was invited as a speaker in a workshop organised by Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Kedah to give a talk on “Literacy Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) & Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)” at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Kedah on 9 August 2014.

A Workshop for Students from Yothin Bumrung School, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

A FOUR-DAY workshop on “Enhancing Communication in the 21st Century Skills through Science and Mathematics Learning” for a group of students from Yothin Bumrung School, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand was conducted by RECSAM from 4 to 7 August 2014. This workshop was aimed to enhance the learning of science and mathematics through English communication. Through this workshop, the participants were exposed to the fundamental skills of the English language such as listening, speaking, reading and writing as well as activities for meaningful science and mathematics learning like Science is Fun, and Exploring Mathematics through Origami. A total of eighty seven (87) students participated in this training programme which was supervised by Dr. Warabhorn Preechaporn, Specialist from Training Programme Division.

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Training WorkshopsCurriculum Rewriting Workshop for Science across the World (SAW)

RECSAM recently conducted the “1st Curriculum Rewriting Workshop for Science across the World (SAW): Development of Interdisciplinary Curriculum for SEAMEO Borderless School” on 19 and 20 June 2014. The main goal of the workshop was to produce science and mathematics related curriculum incorporating interdisciplinary and cross-curricular studies that can be accessible online as Open Educational Resources (OERs). The second workshop will be conducted from 1 - 3 October 2014 to revise the curriculum and eventually prepare the digital platforms for the dissemination of the curriculum for the implementation of Borderless School concepts. A total of thirty three (33) teachers/educators, policy makers and curriculum writers from various SEAMEO member countries attended this 2-day workshop.

Learning Activities Management Systems (LAMS) Workshop for Educators and Teachers

A ONE-DAY workshop on the “Development of E-learning Resource Materials for SEAMEO Borderless School using ‘Learning Activities Management Systems’ (LAMS)” by Professor Dr. Rozhan M. Idrus from Universiti Sains Malaysia was organised by RECSAM on 26 June 2014. The main goal of the conduct of this workshop was to familiarise the participants with use of interactive digital tools, such as ‘Learning Activities Management Systems’ (LAMS) to develop blended learning resources for Borderless School (BS) implementation. The workshop exposed participants to various hands-on activities such as uploading of interdisciplinary curriculum prepared for Borderless School using digital learning platform through LAMS. This one-day workshop received nine (9) participants.

Inquiry-based Learning in Science Workshop

A TRAINING WORKSHOP on “Inquiry-based Learning in Science” for secondary school science teachers/educators was conducted by Ms. Sabina Cleary and Mrs. Judith Bennett from University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand on 8 and 9 May 2014. The training was conducted in a workshop format with hands-on, hearts-on and minds-on format by using Inquiry-based Learning in Science. During the workshop, participants worked in groups and as they were guided through an inquiry, looked at the issues on sustainable water and energy use. A total of thirty two (32) science teachers and educators participated in this workshop.

Fundamentals of Inquiry Workshop

A 3-DAY WORKSHOP on “Fundamentals of Inquiry” was conducted by Mr. Mohd Kamal Kadri and Mr. Mohd Imran Arif Mohd Arif from Centre of Learning Department, Petrosains Malaysia from 14 to 16 May 2014. Workshop participants were exposed to the pedagogy and practice of science inquiry such as techniques of teaching hands-on science and ways to include inquiry in their own classrooms. During this three-day workshop, participants also explored ways to support classroom teachers in moving from traditional teaching ways to a more inquiry-based approach where students take more responsibility for their learning. A total of forty one (41) teachers and educators attended this workshop.

Two (2) foreign experts, Dr. Mark Windale from the Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam University and Associate Professor Dr. Lindsey Conner from the College of Education, University of Canterbury were invited during the fi rst workshop in June 2014 to share about curriculum development and revision processes with the workshop participants. The workshop was successfully conducted with inputs from both local and foreign consultants through roundtable and expert groups’ discussions and the fi rst draft of the curriculum were developed and to be reviewed by the international reviewers.

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Meetings and Other Events

Dr. S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam, Specialist from Research & Development Division went for a school visit to SMK Muara Tuang, Kota Samarahan in Sarawak on 7 and 8 May 2014 to observe mathematics and science lessons, and to study the school academic activities and the implementation of the TIMSS and PISA intervention programmes, which was organised by the Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia.

Dr. S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam, Specialist from Research & Development Division went to Putrajaya to attend the “Jawatankuasa Penyelidikan TIMSS dan PISA Bil. 2/2014 Meeting” organised by the Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia on 14 May 2014.

Dr. Ng Khar Thoe and Dr. Hazura Ab. Bakar, Specialists from Research & Development Division again attended the Advisory Group Meeting of “Hayati Sains Melalui Explorasi Dengan Berfi kiran Aras Tinggi (HEBAT) Science Project” at British Council offi ce in Kuala Lumpur on 19 May 2014.

Ms. Bhavani Ramasamy, Programme Offi cer based at Research & Development Division attended the working committee meeting of the “7th Asia Pacifi c RCE Meeting” organised by Regional Center of Expertise (RCE) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on 19 May 2014.

Dr. Suhaidah bt. Tahir, Deputy Director from Research & Development Division was invited to attend the “Book Review Sharing Session Among Southeast Asia (SEA) Educators Programme” organised by Institut Pendidikan Guru, Kampus Pulau Pinang (IPGKPP) on 26 May 2014 at Pusat Sumber Institut Pendidikan Guru.

Dr. Suhaidah bt. Tahir, Deputy Director (Research & Development) attended the launching ceremony of “Regional Sejahtera ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) Network (RSEN)” organised by the Regional Center of Expertise (RCE) of Universiti Sains Malaysia on 30 May 2014.

Mr. Lee Shok Mee, Specialist from Training Programme Division representing RECSAM attended the Launching Ceremony of “Pesta Bunga Negeri Pulau Pinang 2014” organised by the Penang State Government and Penang Botanic Gardens Department at the Botanic Garden on 1 June 2014.

Dr. Corrienna Abdul Talib, Specialist from Research & Development Division attended the “Pembinaan Pelan Tidakan Ujian Guru Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia meeting” at Hotel Startpoints, Kuala Lumpur from 18 to 20 June 2014.

Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin Zakaria, Centre Director attended the “SEA-PLM (South East Asia Primary Learning Metrics) Consultative Meeting” with SEAMEO Centres organised by SEAMEO Secretariat at S31 Sukhumvit Hotel, Bangkok on 26 June 2014. The meeting tackled the SEAMEO Centre’s existing initiatives and relevance to SEA-PLM and its long term perspectives for SEA-PLM - Phase 3 and beyond.

Dr. Suhaidah bt. Tahir, Deputy Director from Research & Development Division attended “Majlis Sambutan Hari Guru Peringkat Daerah Timur Laut, Tema Hari Guru: Guru Pencetus Kreativiti Penjana Inovasi” at Dewan Banquet, Sunshine Square, Bayan Baru, Penang on 27 June 2014.

Dr. Ng Khar Thoe, Dr. Hazura Ab. Bakar, and Dr. Nur Jahan Ahmad, Specialists from Research & Development Division attended the “Advisory Group Meeting of HEBAT Science Project” at British Council, Kuala Lumpur on 27 June 2014.

Ms. Bhavani Ramasamy, Programme Offi cer based at Research & Development Division attended the working committee meetings of the “7th Asia Pacifi c RCE Meeting” organised by Regional Center of Expertise (RCE) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on 10 July 2014 and 22 July 2014.

Dr. Suhaidah bt. Tahir, Deputy Director from Research & Development Division attended the 1st council meeting of “Regional Sejahtera Education for Sustainable Development Network - RSEN” organised by Regional Center of Expertise (RCE) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang on 11 July 2014.

Dr. Suhaidah bt. Tahir, Deputy Director (Research & Development) attended a meeting to discuss “Penglibatan Universiti Dalam Membantu Murid Menghadapi Kajian Sebenar ‘Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2015’ ” organised by Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum, Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia at Putrajaya on 18 July 2014.

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Dr. Mohd. Sazali bin Hj. Khalid and Dr. Corriennna Abdul Talib, Specialists in Research & Development Division attended the “Penyelarasan Penyediaan Bajet 2015 dan Kertas Cadangan Pelaksanaan Ujian Penilaian Diagnostik Guru Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Meeting” organised by Bahagian Pendidikan Guru, Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia at Pearl International Hotel, Kuala Lumpur from 27 to 29 August 2014.

Dr. S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam, Dr. Koay Suan See, Mr. Hideo Nakano and Ms. Rabiatul Adawiah Binti Megat Jiwa, staff from Training Programme Division attended the “7th Asia Pacifi c Regional Center of Expertise Meeting” organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on 22 July 2014 at School of Educational Studies, USM, Penang.

Dr. Leong Chee Kin, Deputy Director from Training Programme Division attended the selection meeting of “Professional Development Programme for Science Teacher Educators of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam” organised by Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, Putrajaya on 25 July 2014.

Dr. Hazura Ab Bakar, Specialist in Research & Development Division coordinated a collaborative project meeting on “Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Science Teachers: The Comparative Study of Science Teachers from Malaysia and Thailand (Thaksin University)” at RECSAM from 2 to 8 August 2014.

Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan Zakaria, Centre Director attended the “Kajian Kebolehlaksanaan Defi nasi dan Konsep STEM Bil 1/2014 Meeting” organised by Bahagian Perancangan & Penyelidikan Dasar Pendidikan, Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia at Putrajaya on 6 August 2014.

Dr. S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam and Dr. Koay Suan See, Specialists from Training Programme Division attended the “Kajian Trends in International Mathematics and Science (TIMSS): Miskonsepsi dalam Kalangan Pelajar bagi Mata Pelajaran Sains dan Matematik Research Meeting” organised by the Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia at Putrajaya from 6 to 8 August 2014.

Dr. Mohd. Sazali bin Hj. Khalid, Specialist in Research & Development Division attended the “Kajian Kebolehlaksanaan Defi nisi dan Konsep STEM Bil. 1/2014 Meeting” organised by Bahagian Perancangan dan Penyelidikan Dasar Pelajaran (BPPDP), Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia at Putrajaya on 6 August 2014.

Ms. Bhavani Ramasamy, Programme Offi cer based at Research & Development Division attended the working committee meetings of the “7th Asia Pacific RCE Meeting” organised by Regional Center of Expertise (RCE) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on 8 and 19 August 2014.

Dr. S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam, Specialist from Training Programme Division attended the “Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Programme for International Student Assessment Meeting” organised by the Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), Kementer ian Pendid ikan Malaysia a t Putra jaya on 12 August 2014.

Ms. Rabiatul Adawiah Binti Megat Jiwa, Programme Officer from Training Programme Division attended the “7th Asia Pacifi c Regional Center of Expertise Meeting” organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on 18 and 19 August 2014 at Regional Center of Expertise (RCE) based in USM, Penang.

Dr. Suhaidah bt. Tahir, Dr. Nur Jahan bt Ahmad, Dr. Ng Khar Thoe and Dr. Mohd. Sazali bin Hj. Khalid, academic staff from Research & Development Division attended the “Seminar Tahunan Pembelajaran dan Pengajaran USM 2014 (STPP USM 2014): on The Global Classroom” organised by Regional Center of Expertise (RCE), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on 20 August 2014.

Dr. S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam, Specialist and Ms. Rabiatul Adawiah Binti Megat Jiwa, Programme Offi cer from Training Programme Division attended the “7th Asia Pacifi c Regional Center of Expertise Meeting” organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on 22 August 2014 at Regional Center of Expertise (RCE) based in USM, Penang.

Dr. Nur Jahan bt. Ahmad, Specialist from Research & Development Division attended a meeting on “Jawatankuasa Induk Seminar Pertemuan Guru-Guru Nusantara (PGN)” organised by Kesatuan Guru-Guru Melayu Malaysia Barat (KGMMB) at IPG Kampus Pulau Pinang on 22 August 2014.

Dr. S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam, Specialist and Ms. Rabiatul Adawiah Binti Megat Jiwa, Programme Officer from Training Programme Division attended the “International Symposium on 10 Years of Education for Sustainable Development: Best Practices, Refl ections and Future Endeavours” organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia from 26 to 28 August 2014.

Dr. Suhaidah bt Tahir, Deputy Director (Research & Development) attended the “7th Asia Pacifi c RCE Meeting” organised by Regional Center of Expertise (RCE) at Dewan Persidangan Universiti, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang as an observer on 26 August 2014.

Ms. Bhavani Ramasamy, Programme Officer based at Research & Development Division attended the working committee meetings of the “7th Asia Pacifi c RCE & International Symposium on “A Decade of Regional Centres of Expertise on ESD: Relections and Advances in Asia-Pacifi c Meeting” organised by Regional Center of Expertise (RCE) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) from 26 to 28 August 2014.

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Staff Development

Learning Science the Fun Way

THE Magic Science Roadshow organised by Penang Science Cluster Berhad & TECH-DOME in collaboration with the Penang State Government was held at Gurney Plaza on 9 and 10 August 2014. The roadshow, themed “Magic of Science”, showcased various science and technology-related activities and games focusing on nature, mathematics and science, life sciences, robotics and astronomy for children aged up to 15. The event which was opened to public was designed to cultivate the spirit of inquiry and teach children and teenagers the skills required

Mr. Dominador D. Mangao, Dr. Hazura binti Ab Bakar and Dr. Ng Khar Thoe, Specialists from Research & Development Division attended the “International Symposium on A Decade of Regional Centres of Expertise on ESD: Refl ections and Advances in Asia-Pacifi c” organised by Regional Center of Expertise (RCE) at Universiti Sains Malaysia and SK Minden Height on 27 August 2014.

Mr. Muhd Minsya bin Baharuddin, Technical Assistant (Creative Design and Graphics) attended a publishing course on “Adobe In Design” conducted by Sifoo Training Solut ion at Si foo Training Centre, Lake Fields, Sg. Besi, Selangor from 17 to 19 June 2014.

Dr. Corrienna Abdul Talib, Specialist in Research & Development Division participated in the “International C o n f e r e n c e o n L e a d e r s h i p & Management in Higher Education for Sustainable Development” organised by SEAMEO RETRAC at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from 24 to 25 July 2014.

Dr. Annamalai Chokalingam, Specialist from Training Programme Division attended a 2-day conference on “Exploration of Computation in Information Technology for Disaster Management” organised by Adhiyaman College with the support from Department of Science

Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin Zakaria, Centre Director travelled to Seoul to participate in the “14th Asia-Pacifi c Training Workshop on Education for International Understanding (EIU)” under the subtitle of EIU, Fostering Global Citizenship organised by Asia-Pacifi c Centre of Education for International Understanding under the auspices of UNESCO (APCEIU), Republic of Korea from 21 to 29 August 2014.

D r. Wa r a b h o r n P r e e c h a p o r n a n d Mr. Dominador D. Mangao traveled to Zambia to participate in a workshop organised and funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on “Monitoring of Zambia participants who attended the customised courses at SEAMEO RECSAM in 2013 & 2014” at the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education, based in Lusaka, Zambia from 5 to 15 July 2014.

Dr. S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam and Dr. Koay Suan See, Specialists from Training Programme Division participated in the “The Global Classroom” Seminar Tahunan Pembelajaran dan Pengajaran Universiti Sains Malaysia 2014 organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) at USM on 20 August 2014.

to thrive in a high-tech, knowledge-based future. It was the fi rst time that RECSAM was present at the roadshow. RECSAM’s team led by Mr. Hideo Nakano, Science Education Specialist exposed the public to inexpensive science & mathematics educational materials and taught them how to design science toys and 3D shapes using limited tools and low-cost and locally available materials. The showcase successfully attracted many visitors comprising school students and parents.

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Magic Science Roadshow at Gurney Plaza, PenangMagic Science Roadshow at Gurney Plaza, Penang

and Technology, India in Hosur, Bangalore, Silicon Valley of South India on 8 and 9 August 2014.

11RECSAM

NewsVol. 45No. 2

New FacesLET US welcome the following new members into RECSAM’s family!

Mr. Hideo Nakano joined RECSAM as a Specialist based in the Training Programme Division on 1 July 2014.

Dr. Hj. Mohd Sazali bin Hj. Khalid joined RECSAM as a Specialist based at the Research & Development (R&D) Division on 1 July 2014.

FarewellTO THE FOLLOWING former staff of RECSAM, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Your dedication and contribution to the Centre would be greatly remembered!

Hj. Qamarul Abrar bin Ahmad, Administrative Executive based at the Administration Division completed his contract at RECSAM and returned to home service on 31 July 2014.

Mr. Marmon A. Pagunsan, Specialist based at Training Programme Division completed his contract and left the Centre on 31 August 2014.

Mr. Shahriman bin Mohd Said, Information & Documentation Executive left the Centre since 15 August 2014.

Ms. Puganesh Selvaraj, Programme Offi cer based at Training Programme Division left the Centre since 14 August 2014.

Ms. Che Amah Osman, General Assistant based at the International House resigned from RECSAM since 31 July 2014.

RECSAM Celebrated Merdeka Day in High Spirit

MALAYSIANS from all walks of life celebrated the 57th anniversary of the country’s independence in high spirit on 31 August 2014. In Penang, the state-level Merdeka celebration was held at Esplanade, Georgetown where over 150 contingents from government departments and agencies, schools, institutions of higher learning, uniformed and non-governmental organisations took part. This time, our contingent comprised of 46 (forty six) staff representing Deputy Director (Administration), Specialists, Executives, Programme

Smiles for the cameraSmiles for the camera

Officers, Technical Assistants and Administrative Assistants as well as General Assistants. Mr. Shamsul Azha Md Yusuf, Deputy Director (Administration) was the head of our contingent while Mr. Mohd Nazri Mat Disa, Technical Assistant from Administration Division, was the commander. The celebration was graced by His Excellency, Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Abdul Rahman Bin Haji Abbas, the Governor of Penang and Y.B. Tuan Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang.

One for the albumOne for the album